mystery play

American  

noun

1. a medieval dramatic form based on a Biblical story, usually dealing with the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

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mystery play British  

noun

1. (in the Middle Ages) a type of drama based on the life of Christ Compare miracle play

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Etymology

Origin of mystery play

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

This is “Pelléas” not as a mystery play, but as an unsparingly forceful drama.

From New York Times • Dec. 22, 2022

At Village Theatre, he directed several shows, including the mystery play “Sleuth.”

From Seattle Times • Jul. 8, 2019

‘The Second Shepherd’s Play’ Low comedy evolves into a deeper seasonal spirit in this medieval mystery play, adapted by Mary Hall Surface in 2007 and performed in harmony with the Folger Consort.

From Washington Post • Nov. 23, 2016

In its own way, it's a great medieval mystery play.

From The Guardian • Aug. 15, 2011

The most ambitious of these is "The Dream of Gerontius," a sort of mystery play which Sir Henry Taylor used to compare with the "Divine Comedy."

From A History of English Romanticism in the Nineteenth Century by Beers, Henry A. (Henry Augustin)